Our patrons are here to help us with our ever growing costs and our ever growing ambition to evolve the company year by year!

Fact: without our patrons direct support, Bowler Crab would never have been able to produce its pocket production collection and the company would have folded entirely by now. With ever increasing costs, now in 2022 we need more help than ever if we wish to get bigger, better and deliver more Shakespeare to the world of even higher quality.

All performances at Half House Farm, Three Oaks will be outside for the first half and then inside our marquee for the second half. 

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Performances at The Stables (Hastings), The Mermaid Inn (Rye) and The Abbott's Hall (Battle Abby, Battle) are all indoor venues.

This will often depend on which performance you are attending.  Half House Farm, The Stables Theatre and Manor Barn all have parking (please be aware that there is a charge for parking at Manor Barn. At present the Abbott's Hall, Battle Abbey and The Mermaid Inn do not have parking.

There are two answers to this question, the first of which (and the plainest) is that Artistic Director Stephen wanted the name to be distinctive and not just another "Shakespeare player". 

The second is that the name came after a recurring dream of Stephen's. During the very early conceptual days of the company Stephen had a recurring dream that he would be covered by small crabs wearing bowler hats and hence Bowler Crab was born! 

Much like the question of parking this will depend on which performance you are attending. Half House Farm and Manor Barn have both a fully functioning bar as well as the sale of cakes, tea and coffee. The Stables Theatre and The Mermaid Inn both have a fully functioning bar.

The Mermaid Inn, Manor Barn, The Abbott's Hall (Battle Abbey) and the Stables Theatre are all indoor venues.

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If we are at Half House Farm we will move the performance indoor into our new for 2022 Appletree Marquee.

The simple answer is yes. We use Mandy and Backstage to advertise our auditions as well as posting information on to our website.

As we are a professional company we will ask for your actor training or higher education as well as, a showreel or a self tape for us to review prior to the auditions. 

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If you are interested in being added to our audition list please get in touch via the page to the left.

Our main touring production are typically between 2-2.5 hours. 

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However, we also have shorter versions of the plays designed to be performed in the schools and festivals. If you are interested in learning more go check out our hire us page.

Since 2015 we have had the privilege of touring around the 1066 area and beyond.  Some of our usual haunts include: Three Oaks (Hastings), Rye, Battle, Bexhill-on-Sea and Hastings.

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For more information on each of the local venues check out the "Our Venues" Page.

At the moment we do not do tours to school however we are hireable to schools.

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We are aiming to be in contact with schools to offer productions. If you are a school and are interested in working with us please head over to the contact us page and we can discuss the details

Alongside producing full theatre tours, in 2017 Bowler Crab began touring shortened versions of their plays to schools, festivals, private parties, corporate events, weddings and as dining experiences (all available now for hire); We call these pieces: 'Pocket Productions' for their snug, easy mobility to any occasion.

Yes, we are  professional company. All the actors and our director have completed formal dramatic training. 

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We are supported by volunteers who complete roles such as ushering and postering therefore, may not have the same qualifications.

Half House Farm is a stunning romantic setting for any occasion and is now available for hire, contact us.

We are hireable to perform at weddings.

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At this time Half House Farm is not available for wedding ceremonies'  but this may be something that occurs in the future. Sign up to the Bowler Crab Times Newsletter for the latest news.

Standard tickets are £18 with concessions for people aged 7- 17 / University students priced at £14

Sunday shows are matinee only at 3pm unless specifically stated. All other shows start at 7.30pm,.

For all shows doors open half and hour before the show begins.